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SARS-CoV-2 in Animals

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that

causes COVID-19. Animals in many environments–from free-ranging wildlife to

companion animals to farmed mink to animals at zoos, aquariums, and other

facilities–are susceptible to infection with the virus. APHIS veterinarians, wildlife

professionals, epidemiologists, and other experts are working to better understand,

identify, and control SARS-CoV-2 in animals.
The risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people is low. Visit the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on human health and COVID19.

SARS-CoV-2 Case Dashboard

Since 2020, cases of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in animals in the United

States. The dashboard below provides a summary of all confirmed cases in the

United States, updated on a weekly basis in multiple formats for analysis. APHIS

reports all confirmed cases in animals to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Working with our partners, we also monitor all variants of SARS-CoV-2 infecting

people and animals. Many variants found in people have also been found in animals.

APHIS tracks and reports all variants* found in animals in our dashboard. We also

upload high-quality genetic sequences to GISAID, a public, global resource for SARSCoV-2 sequences. This allows scientists and the public to analyze information about

SARS-CoV-2 viruses identified in people and in animals.

* When new cases are confirmed, these figures will update to show where the cases

were identified and which variants were detected. For some confirmed cases, there

is not enough genetic information to definitively identify the variant, so totals may

vary between figures.

Recent Research

SARS-CoV-2 Projects and Studies 

With One Health partners, APHIS is leading and supporting projects and studies to

protect our Nation's animals and people from SARS-CoV-2 and other animal

diseases.

Learn More
Protecting Animal Health

Signs of SARS-CoV-2 in Animals

The clinical spectrum of illness in animals infected with SARS-CoV-2 is still being

defined. Some infected animals may show signs of illness, while others may not.

When present, clinical signs may include a combination of the following:

Fever

Coughing

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Lethargy

Sneezing

Discharge from nose or eyes

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Biosecurity

To ensure the health and safety of animals and people on your farm, follow

biosecurity guidance. Biosecurity is a series of important management practices

designed to reduce the risk of disease agents being introduced and spread on the

farm. It is crucial to protect the health of farm workers and animals and to control

and contain diseases.
Take these steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

Minimize human-animal interactions by restricting access to your premises and

all buildings that house animals.

Do not handle animals if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Wear a face mask and gloves when working with animals.

Have dedicated boots and clothing that remain in areas where animals are

handled.

Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

after:

Having direct contact with animals or their food, supplies, or waste/feces.

Cleaning up after animals, including any body fluids or waste.

Leaving areas where animals are housed (even if you did not touch an

animal).

Removing face masks, gloves, boots, or other items.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tools and equipment.

Follow these guidelines when cleaning and disinfecting:

Avoid using cleaning methods that might spray infectious material into the

air, including compressed air or water under pressure.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning or disinfecting a

potentially contaminated area.

Follow the cleaning or disinfectant product manufacturer’s instructions for

use. Follow recommendations for safe practices for how to put on and take

off PPE.

To disinfect, use products registered with the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency for use against SARS-CoV-2, diluted household bleach

solutions prepared per the manufacturer’s label for disinfection, or alcohol

solutions with at least 60-percent alcohol. Make sure the product you use

is appropriate for the surface being disinfected.

Veterinarians

APHIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and State animal health

partners have developed the following guidance for animal health officials and

veterinarians.

Testing Strategy and Reporting Requirements (183.14 KB)
SARS-CoV-2 Case Definition (240.11 KB)

Managing Farmed Mink and Other Farmed Mustelids With SARS-CoV-2 (372.13

KB) (also en español (298.58 KB))

Zoos

COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Tool for Captive Wildlife

Facilities: This checklist provides a guide for baseline biosecurity measures and

controls that should be in place to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between

animals housed in captive wildlife facilities and people (including employees

such as caretakers, maintenance staff, and other employees, volunteers, and

the public) who may have direct or indirect contact with animals or their

environment.

Learn More

One Health 

The One Health approach recognizes that the health of animals, people, and the

environment are linked. Learn about APHIS' One Health work.

Stay Up to Date 

Subscribe for email updates to get the latest news on SARS-CoV-2 in animals.